Saturday, October 13, 2012

And a Dash of Cinnamon

I use cinnamon on nearly everything. Okay, perhaps that is
exaggerating. Still, I enjoy adding a sprinkle to my oatmeal, espresso, and smoothies.
It is a key ingredient in Magic Potion Juice Bar’s seasonal special: Pumpkin
Pie Smoothie. And it has an interesting history.

Cinnamon is in the same plant family as Bay Leaf and
Sassafrass (which is a really cool plant that grows all over the place around
here. Look for a tree with three different leaf types. Rip a leaf open and take
a whiff – smells like Fruit Loops, right? But I digress). What is sold as
cinnamon in the United States today may be one of two species: true cinnamon,
which has thinner bark, and cassia, which has thicker bark. Both can be, and
are, labeled “cinnamon.” Most cinnamon is produced in Southeast Asia.

Mmmm...warm apple cider

﻿

From Southeast Asia, it was carried by traders to Egypt and
later to Europe. Before it became popular in cooking, cinnamon was used in
embalming (by the Egyptians) and religious ceremonies. Venice controlled the
cinnamon trade in the 1400s and 1500s and profited greatly from it. After
Venice, Portugal gained control. Desire for cinnamon was so strong, and the
profits from controlling the trade so great, that a fight between nations broke
out and Holland seized control from Portugal! Though perhaps we don’t see as
much conflict in today’s trade, I’d say that desire is still strong! At least
mine is!

﻿

Pumpkin pie smoothie with pecans and maple syrup

﻿Come in and try a seasonal smoothie or some hot apple cider.
Or ask for a dash of cinnamon to spice up any of our standard smoothies!
Delish.

About Me

Being a wine geek means knowing and appreciating these wines, and also seeking out wines made in other regions, by other producers, and from other varieties. Being a wine geek means being open to trying anything from a red wine from Lebanon to a Riesling from the Finger Lakes of New York, from a Zinfandel blend made in Lodi, to a Tokaji from Hungary. Being a wine geek means wanting to learn the stories behind the bottle: how the grapes are grown, how the wine is made, and by whom.
Being a wine geek means seeing wine as much more than a commodity or status symbol. Being a wine geek means opening a bottle with family and friends at a good meal and wanting to share the story that brought the wine to from vine to table.